In this Fourth of July episode, Mary reflects on a Victorian berry spoon gifted by a friend's son, a family table and long-forgotten letter from her father, a dear friend's journey to United States citizenship, and the lessons unfolding in the vegetable garden.

From heirlooms and promises to volunteer tomatoes and a bird building a nest, this episode explores the stories, values, and acts of kindness we carry forward from one generation to the next.

As we celebrate 250 years of our nation's history, may we pause to consider what we are planting, preserving, and passing on in our own Garden of Life.

"Without context, they're just objects. With context, they become vessels carrying pieces of our lives." — Mary Stone

Link to the Companion Blog Post: What We Carry Forward in the Garden of Life

Related Episodes:

🌿 Episode 258 – The Gift of Noticing: A Dove Tree That Didn't Bloom

🌿 Episode 255 – Growing Belonging in the Garden of Life

🌿 Episode 256 – Lessons from Spiderwort and Crooked Trees

🌿 Episode 257 – Love Lovage: Treasures at Well-Sweep Herb Farm

🌿 Episode 28 – No-Till Gardening with Patti Doell of Little Big Farm

Connect with Mary Stone

Visit: AskMaryStone.com

Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone@gmail.com

Thank you for listening and for sharing the Garden of Life.🌻

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from Mother Nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in, in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

On a humid morning after a much-needed rain, Mary Stone reflects on the celebration of the life of legendary New Jersey gardener and friend Marty Carson.

From stories of children helping to prepare the gardens to the remarkable tale of the Dove Tree (also known as the Handkerchief Tree) to an unexpected gift from Marty's son, this episode explores how gardens teach us to notice beauty, kindness, and one another.

Though beloved gardeners may pass, the gardens they create—and the lives they touch—continue to bloom.

Link to the Companion Post: The Gift of Noticing: A Dove Tree That Didn’t Bloom

Mentioned in this episode:

🌿 The Two Best Gardeners of the Garden State -Blog Post (June 8, 2017)

🌿 Extraordinary Gardeners, Extraordinary Plants - Blog Post (June 18, 2018)

🌿 Episode 25 - Baobab Tree of Life: Growing Kindness

Quote from this episode:

"The Dove Trees didn't bloom this year. But they will. Gardens bloom again. Kindness blooms again. Love blooms again."

Thank you for listening and for sharing the Garden of Life.🌻

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from Mother Nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in, in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

A visit to Well-Sweep Herb Farm in Warren County, New Jersey, leads to unexpected discoveries both in the garden and in life.

Mary Stone shares highlights from a tour with third-generation grower Patrick McDuffee, explores the beauty and lore of herbs such as Plantain, Scented Geraniums, Jewelweed, and Lovage, and reflects on the treasures often hidden in plain sight.

Back home, a thriving 'Jethro Tull' Coreopsis, gifted to her years ago by her dear friend Marty Carson, becomes a poignant reminder that love, friendship, and the lessons gathered along the way continue to bloom long after people leave our lives.

In This Episode

🌿 Touring Well-Sweep Herb Farm with Patrick McDuffee
🌿 Discovering the beauty of lovage
🌿 Plantain, jewelweed, and other herbal treasures
🌿 Native plants and Venus flytraps
🌿 Remembering Marty Carson through a blooming coreopsis
🌿 Finding unexpected treasures in the Garden of Life

Link to the Companion Blog Post: Love, Lovage & Treasures at Well-Sweep Farm

Thank you for joining me in the Garden of Life. 🌿💛

Related Episodes & Links

• Episode 217: Moth Surveying in a New Jersey Mountain Meadow
• Episode 157: Benefits of Plantain & Dandelions
• Episode 20: Unexpected Furry Messenger – Father John’s Memorial Garden
• Well-Sweep Herb Farm: https://wellsweep.com

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from Mother Nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in, in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Join Mary Stone as she reflects on Spiderwort, a native plant growing in the wrong place; a conversation with a dear client; the wisdom of the song "Crooked Tree"; and a reminder that what appears flawed or out of place may have a purpose we cannot yet see.

Along the way, Mary shares a brief update on her vegetable garden, a surprising use for carrot greens, and a favorite story from The Lesson of the Leaf about a beech leaf that landed on her shoulder just when she needed it most.

Link to the Related Blog Post: Lessons from Spiderwort and Crooked Trees

In this episode:

• When Spiderwort becomes too much of a good thing
• Why a troublesome plant may be exactly right somewhere else
• The wisdom behind the song Crooked Tree

"Spiderwort doesn't belong everywhere. But it belongs somewhere."

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life. 🌿🍃🌳

Related Podcasts and Posts:

The Fall of the Leaf – Blog Post about the Prologue to The Lesson of the Leaf

Ep 83. The Fall of the Leaf

Growing Belonging in the Garden of Life - Blog

Ep 255 - Growing Belonging in the Garden of Life

Link to Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway’s song - Crooked Tree

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from Mother Nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in, in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, Mary Stone shares an unexpected realization that emerged while revising her book proposal for The Lesson of the Leaf to Hay House Publishing. Along the way, she reflects on belonging, commitment, the wisdom of gardens, and the connections that sustain us through every season of life.

Plus, a garden update featuring radishes, sunflowers, clover, and a reminder that growth often happens beneath the shelter of something larger than ourselves.

Thanks for tuning in!

Link to Companion Post: Growing Belonging in the Garden of Life

Links to related Episodes and Blog Posts:

Forest Bathing Helps Loneliness - Blog Post

Ep 34. Forest Bathing, Willowwood Champion Trees

Overview of the Lesson of the Leaf– Blog Post

Ep 180 Overview of the Lesson of the Leaf

Thanks for listening and sharing in the Garden of Life. 🌻

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from Mother Nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in, in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

In this episode, Mary Stone shares a spring greenhouse adventure that begins with shopping for annuals and vegetables and turns into a delightful journey of unexpected discoveries.

Along the way, she reflects on a bear emerging from a patch of skunk cabbage, bird nests tucked among flowering shrubs, a mysterious hornet visitor, and the wisdom that can emerge when we leave room for wandering.

Mary also offers practical tips for selecting healthy annuals and creating beautiful kitchen gardens filled with flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

Perhaps one of life's greatest lessons is this: some of the best treasures are found when we venture beyond what we originally came looking for.

Special thanks to Steve Oken and Stonehedge Growers for inspiring this week's greenhouse wanderings and introducing me to some unexpected treasures.

Companion Blog Post: Leave Room for Wandering: Unexpected Greenhouse Treasures

Previous Podcast Episodes:
Ep 251 – Healing Beneath the Mayapple: Skunk Cabbage Wisdom

Ep 94 - Starting an Organic Garden & DIY Soil Testing

Ep 28 - Three Sisters, No-Till Gardening

Ep 149 - Straw Bale Gardening Builds Community

Related Blog Posts:

Starting an Organic Garden

Straw Bale Gardening Builds Community

Starting a No-till Garden

Old Farmer's Almanac Planting Calendar:
https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar

Thanks for listening and sharing in the Garden of Life. 🌻

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from Mother Nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in, in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

Mary Stone shares reflections from a deeply meaningful weekend serving as a Big Buddy at Comfort Zone Camp for children grieving the loss of a parent or sibling to suicide.

Through stories of Mayapple, Skunk Cabbage, Barred Owls, Nesting Birds, and an unforgettable Black Bear encounter near the creek, this episode explores Healing, Resilience, Emotional Courage, and the Wisdom Waiting Beneath the Surface of the Natural World.

Along the way, Mary revisits earlier podcast stories about Mayapple folklore, Ken Roberts' beautiful song Mandrakes, and the remarkable lessons hidden within even the most unusual woodland plants.

Link to Companion Blog Post: Healing Beneath the Mayapple

Previous Related Podcasts & Posts

Ep 252. Edible vs. Ornamental Rhubarb — Kindness Helps Heal

Episode 31: Comedy of Crickets, Mayapple of My Eye (Featuring Ken Roberts' song: Mandrakes)

Previous blog posts: Mayapple of my Eye

Rhubarb Edible vs. Ornamental— Kindness Helps Heal

Thanks for listening and sharing in the Garden of Life. 🌻

8888

I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories, as well as your thoughts on topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

You can follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.

You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite podcast app.

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,
Mary Stone
Columnist & Garden Designer

8888

I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories, as well as your thoughts on topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

You can follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.

You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite podcast app.

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,
Mary Stone
Columnist & Garden Designer

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from Mother Nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in, in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page

This week, from the screen porch, Mary Stone shares reflections on edible versus ornamental rhubarb—both unusual, delightful, and deer-resistant additions to the garden. She also shares stories of rhubarb custard pie, overwintered parsley, blooming tea, pole beans, and other decorative vegetables woven among flower gardens.

The episode wraps up with reflections on healing through friendship and community. And the garden lessons found in allowing others to help us through difficult seasons of life. 🌿

Link to the Companion Blog Post: Rhubarb Edible vs. Ornamental— Kindness Helps Heal

🔗 Links to Related Posts and Podcasts:

Ep 96 - Mending Fences with Forsythia

Ep 101 - Woodcock Dance — Making a Meadow

Ep 247 - Nothing Is Wasted: Leaf Mold, Mulch & Letting Go

Blog Posts:

Mending Fences with Forsythia

Woodcock Dance — Making a Meadow

Leaf Mold vs. Mulch & The Lesson of Letting Go

• Parsley comeback story: Parsley Surprise

Special Mentions:

• Panache Desai – Call to Calm
• Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice
• Songs of Hospice project in Promises That Live Beyond Seasons

Thanks for listening and sharing in the Garden of Life. 🌻

8888

I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories, as well as your thoughts on topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at AskMaryStone@gmail.com.

You can follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.

You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favorite podcast app.

Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,
Mary Stone
Columnist & Garden Designer

More about the Podcast and Column:

Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries.

It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from Mother Nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in, in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about.

Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.com
Direct Link to Podcast Page